Segmented inflatable structure device

ABSTRACT

A segmented inflatable structure device includes a plurality of body segments positionable together to join into an assembled condition to form a structure when inflated. Each body segment has at least one opening. Each opening in each body segment is adjacent to and aligned with an associated opening on an adjacently positioned one of the body segments defining an interior space when the body segments are in the assembled condition to form the structure. Each of a plurality of segment fasteners releasably couples adjacently positioned body segments together in the assembled condition. A main air inlet is positioned in one of the body segments for connection to an air pump for injecting air into the interior space whereby the structure is inflated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to inflatable structure devices and more particularly pertains to a new inflatable structure device having removable segments for facilitating repair or replacement of damaged or worn segments of an inflatable structure.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The prior art relates to inflatable structure devices which generally provide for a unitary structure into which air is pumped. Known prior art devices may provide for multiple inflatable portions within a unitary structure, particularly for larger structures. Known prior art devices of these types require patching of replacement of the entire structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a plurality of body segments positionable together to join into an assembled condition to form a structure when inflated. Each body segment has at least one opening. Each opening in each body segment is adjacent to and aligned with an associated opening on an adjacently positioned one of the body segments defining an interior space when the body segments are in the assembled condition to form the structure. Each of a plurality of segment fasteners releasably couples adjacently positioned body segments together in the assembled condition. A main air inlet is positioned in one of the body segments for connection to an air pump for injecting air into the interior space whereby the structure is inflated.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top front side perspective view of a segmented inflatable structure device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure fully assembled.

FIG. 5 is a top front side perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 5 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 7 thereof, a new inflatable structure device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7 , the segmented inflatable structure device 10 generally comprises a plurality of body segments 12. The body segments 12 are positionable together to join into an assembled condition to form a structure 14 when inflated. Each of the body segments 12 has at least one opening 16. The structure 14 may be comprised of auxiliary structural elements 18 such as netting, panels, sheets which are fully or partially translucent or transparent, or the like. Generally, the auxiliary structural elements 18 are flexible, foldable or collapsible such that they may remain coupled to the structure 14 when not inflated and folded or rolled for storage and/or transport. However, the auxiliary structural elements 18 are contemplated to also include inflexible pieces which can be removably attached for myriad reasons including but not limited to structural reinforcement or added functionality. The body segments 12 are positionable such that each opening 16 in each body segment 12 are adjacent to and aligned with an associated opening 16 on an adjacently positioned one of the body segments 12. This arrangement defines an aligned pair of openings 16 whereby the body segments 12 define an interior space 20 when the body segments 12 are in the assembled condition to form the structure 14. Some body segments 12 may have a single opening 16 while others may have two or more openings 16. When fully assembled, each opening 16 is aligned with and allows environmental communication through another opening 16 such that the interior space 20 is a single substantially enclosed space extending through the structure 14. A main air inlet 22 is positioned in one of the body segments 12. The main air inlet 22 is exposed on an exterior of the structure 14, typically near a bottom of the structure 14 wherein the main air inlet 22 is configured for connection to an air pump 24 for injecting air into the interior space 20 whereby the structure 14 is inflated. It is contemplated that the assembled body segments 12 form the structure 14 to be similar to the unitary inflatables which are conventional and in common use. Thus, having multiple air inputs for multiple pumps or assembly to include more than a single interior space for a structure is contemplated as a variation within the scope of the present invention.

Each of a plurality of segment fasteners 26 releasably couples adjacently positioned body segments 12 together wherein the segment fasteners 26 secure the body segments 12 together in the assembled condition. Segment fasteners 26 can be various types of fasteners but hook and loop fastener 28 is well suited as described below. Each segment fastener may comprise a base 30 coupled to an exterior surface of a first one 12A of the adjacently positioned body segments 12. A connection panel 32 extends outwardly from a second one 12B of the adjacently positioned body segments 12. The connection panel 32 has a first surface 34 couplable to the base 30 wherein the first one 12A of the adjacently positioned body segments 12 is secured to the second one 12B of the adjacently positioned body segments 12. Use of heavy duty hook and loop fastener 28 may be sufficient for coupling of the body segments 12. However, additional structural integrity is achieved by a cover panel 36 coupled to the first one 12A of the adjacently positioned body segments 12. The cover panel 36 is adjacent to the base 30 and may be an integral extension of the base 30. The cover panel 36 extends outwardly from the first one 12A of the adjacently positioned body segments 12. The cover panel 36 is foldable over a second surface 38 of the connection panel 32. The cover panel 36 is engageable to the second surface 38 of the connection panel 32. The segment fasteners 26 are typically spaced from openings 16 of the particular body segment 12. The connection panels 32 may be singular or more commonly positioned on opposite edges of an end 44 of an associated body segment 12. Connection panels 32 may be provided to extend fully around the end 44 wherein the segment fasteners 26 are arranged to augment substantial sealing of the connections between body segments 12 as described in more detail below.

Each of a plurality of fastening collars 40 extends around a respective opening 16. Each fastening collar 40 is positioned to engage a complementary fastening collar 40 such that the respective openings 16 of engaged fastening collars 40 are secured adjacently to each other. Each fastening collar 40 extends continuously and fully around the respective opening 16. For purpose of the invention, fully and continuously is defined as providing substantial sealing of the aligned openings 16 such that the air pump 24 may produce sufficient internal pressure within the interior space to maintain the structure 14 in an inflated state. Small gaps may be present provided they do not allow sufficient air to escape to prevent maintaining the structure 14 in a sufficiently inflated state. For purpose of the invention, a fully inflated state is defined as sufficient to inflate and hold the structure 14 with enough resilience to support persons jumping and moving within or on the structure 14 in a manner consistent with conventional inflatable structures as are currently known. The fastening collars 40 may also be hook and loop fastener 28. The fastening collars 40 are shown as being immediately adjacent to and essentially abutting the respective openings 16, the fastening collars 40 may be spaced from the respective opening 16 and may even encircle or encompass multiple openings 16.

A signage fastener 48 may be positioned on one of the body segments 12 such that the signage fastener 48 is configured for facilitating coupling of signage 50, such as a banner or the like, to the structure 14. The signage fastener 48 may also be hook and loop fastener 28. Similarly, auxiliary fasteners 50 may be coupled to and exposed on the structure 14 for coupling of the auxiliary structural elements 18 to the structure 14.

In use, the separable body segments 12 allow for replacement of individual body segments as opposed to having to patch, repair, or more likely replace an entirety of an inflatable structure. As the individual body segments 12 can be provided in myriad shapes, sizes, and with or without additional functional elements 50 such as a hoop 52, the cost of producing and replacing each body segment 12 can be reduced. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the inventive concept may be applied to myriad configurations and any currently known inflatable structure commonly known and used for party rental, exercise, events, or the like. The invention provides for simplified maintenance and repair of the structure 14 and greater cost efficiency. Further, as replacement of a body segment 12 can be made quickly, down time is reduced in the event of damage or wear in the structure 14 sufficient to prevent safe usage.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements. 

I claim:
 1. A segmented inflatable structure device comprising: a plurality of body segments, said body segments being positionable together to join into an assembled condition to form a structure when inflated, each of said body segments having at least one opening, said body segments being positionable such that each opening in each body segment is adjacent to and aligned with an associated opening on an adjacently positioned one of the body segments defining an aligned pair of openings whereby the body segments define an interior space when they are in the assembled condition to form the structure; a plurality of segment fasteners, each of the segment fasteners releasably coupling adjacently positioned body segments together wherein the segment fasteners secure the body segments together in the assembled condition; and a main air inlet being positioned in one of said body segments, said primary inlet being exposed on an exterior of said structure wherein said primary inlet is configured for connection to an air pump for injecting air into the interior space whereby the structure is inflated.
 2. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 1, further comprising said segment fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener.
 3. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fastening collars, each fastening collar extending around a respective opening wherein each fastening collar is positioned to engage a complementary fastening collar such that the respective openings of engaged fastening collars are secured adjacently to each other.
 4. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 1, wherein each segment fastener comprises: a base coupled to an exterior surface of a first one of the adjacently positioned body segments; and a connection panel extending outwardly from a second one of the adjacently positioned body segments, said connection panel having a first surface couplable to said base wherein said first one of said adjacently positioned body segments is secured to said second one of said adjacently positioned body segments.
 5. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 4, wherein each segment fastener further comprises a cover panel coupled to said first one of said adjacently positioned body segments adjacently to the base and extending outwardly from the first one of the adjacently positioned body segments, said cover panel being foldable over a second surface of said connection panel, said cover panel being engageable to said second surface of said connection panel.
 6. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 1, further comprising a signage fastener positioned on one of said body segments wherein said signage fastener is configured for facilitating coupling of signage to said structure.
 7. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary structural elements, each of said auxiliary structural elements being removably couplable to said structure.
 8. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 3, wherein the fastening collars are hook and loop fastener.
 9. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 6, further comprising said signage fastener being hook and loop fastener.
 10. A segmented inflatable structure device comprising: a plurality of body segments, said body segments being positionable together to join into an assembled condition to form a structure when inflated, each of said body segments having at least one opening, said body segments being positionable such that each opening in each body segment is adjacent to and aligned with an associated opening on an adjacently positioned one of the body segments defining an aligned pair of openings whereby the body segments define an interior space when they are in the assembled condition to form the structure; a plurality of segment fasteners, each of the segment fasteners releasably coupling adjacently positioned body segments together wherein the segment fasteners secure the body segments together in the assembled condition, segment fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener, wherein each segment fastener comprises: a base coupled to an exterior surface of a first one of the adjacently positioned body segments, a connection panel extending outwardly from a second one of the adjacently positioned body segments, said connection panel having a first surface couplable to said base wherein said first one of said adjacently positioned body segments is secured to said second one of said adjacently positioned body segments, and a cover panel coupled to said first one of said adjacently positioned body segments adjacently to the base and extending outwardly from the first one of the adjacently positioned body segments, said cover panel being foldable over a second surface of said connection panel, said cover panel being engageable to said second surface of said connection panel; a plurality of fastening collars, each fastening collar extending around a respective opening wherein each fastening collar is positioned to engage a complementary fastening collar such that the respective openings of engaged fastening collars are secured adjacently to each other, wherein the fastening collars are hook and loop fastener; a signage fastener positioned on one of said body segments wherein said signage fastener is configured for facilitating coupling of signage to said structure, said signage fastener being hook and loop fastener; and a main air inlet being positioned in one of said body segments, said primary inlet being exposed on an exterior of said structure wherein said primary inlet is configured for connection to an air pump for injecting air into the interior space whereby the structure is inflated.
 11. The segmented inflatable structure device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary structural elements, each of said auxiliary structural elements being removably couplable to said structure. 